The latest demo of Final Fantasy 16, presented by Square Enix, provides fans with a glimpse of the game's extensive references to the series' origins. Among these references is a nod to the beloved PS1 classic, Final Fantasy Tactics, which could potentially shape the role of the long-standing character, Cid, or Cidolfus, in this new installment.
With Cid set to join the player's party as a combat companion for a certain period of time, this reference holds promising implications for the character's involvement in Final Fantasy 16. It suggests that Cid may assume the role of the Dominant of Ramuh, granting him the ability to wield formidable thunder magic.
Thunder God Cid
In Final Fantasy Tactics, Cid's full name, Cidolfus, was introduced, with the character being known by various aliases, particularly those associated with his expertise in thunder magic. Among these aliases, Thunder God Cid or T.G. Cid stood out, showcasing his distinct abilities that set him apart from other non-playable characters. This has endeared him to fans who eagerly anticipate his potential return in a future remake of Final Fantasy Tactics.
However, Thunder God Cid also presents both advantages and disadvantages in Final Fantasy Tactics. Having him in the party often made challenging fights seem effortless, due to his exceptional skill set and impressive stats. Consequently, some players opt to exclude him from their team to fully explore the dynamics and potential of other party members. Considering the overwhelming power of the original Thunder God Cidolfus, it is conceivable that Cid in Final Fantasy 16 could evolve into an equally formidable companion, as both his and Clive's abilities continue to develop.
Cidolfus, Dominant of Ramuh
Cidolfus not only inherits his name from the version in Final Fantasy Tactics, but he also possesses the same type of magic. As a descendant of Ramuh, Cidolfus wields powerful lightning magic that he readily unleashes in battles, as showcased in the recent Final Fantasy 16 demo. With access to this enhanced mode, which resembles Clive's Limit Break, Cidolfus has the potential to be one of the strongest allies in the party.
In Final Fantasy 16, companions have not been depicted as particularly formidable thus far. However, if Cidolfus were to become the powerhouse of his namesake, it could greatly enhance the party dynamics. Just like the previous version of Cid who excelled in difficult situations, this new iteration of the character could assist players in overcoming complex challenges. This would complement the existing difficulty options, allowing players to tailor Final Fantasy 16 to their desired level of challenge and accessibility.
The original backstory of Cidolfus could provide fans with insight into what they can expect from the character Cid in Final Fantasy 16. Although the demo does not reveal the Active Time Lore entry for Cid, it seems that he shares similarities with the original character in terms of having fought for an empire but ultimately changing sides after encountering the protagonist. This nod to the original character helps to maintain the connection between Final Fantasy 16 and the rest of the series, despite the changes in the combat system. Final Fantasy 16 is scheduled for release on June 22, exclusively for PS5.